thyroid diet for weight loss, sharing a vegetarian full day thyroid friendly diet plan
which not only helps you to lose weight but also nourish your thyroid gland.
banana is an integral part of thyroid health and it is one fruit that is available all through
the year round in Kerala and sadly we have instilled this myth in our minds that banana is
FATTENING!! Banana on the other hand is packed with nutrients and is rich in
potassium, vitamin B6, and iodine!! yes, they contain iodine and so does carrots!! and
can help nourish your thyroid cells. And ladies, if you are over 45 and nearing menopause
then you need them in your diet and younger ladies if you are pregnant or lactating then
you need them more! Did you know that without adequate supply of iodine in your
diet you are more vulnerable to osteoporosis and diabetes
whole grains are also rich in iodine source and the reason why I included whole wheat
roti (homemade, of course) and poha (flattened rice) in this plan. I have divided the meals
into 3 main meals and 2 small meals so that you are never hungry between meals, and
having wholesome meals will reassure and support your thyroid and also encourages to
improve metabolism.
no refined sugar is as important as adequate natural iodine supply along with vitamin B,
C, and E. you will also need to wean off from refined oils to healthy fats like coconut oil or
ghee (ghee is not fattening, it actually burns fat and that calls for another write up on
ghee). Natural fats like mustard oil, ground nut oil also works well, but I live in Kerala and
hence coconut oil and ghee are the best bet! So, get local and use fruits, oils, grains etc
that comes from the place you live in.
With regard to salt, I am using pink Himalayan salt for the meals as it is a natural salt and
reduces water retention, but limit salt consumption. Did you know that all processed
foods are rich in salt? when you have too much salt you actually upset the balance of
sodium and potassium in your cells and that makes it impossible for your thyroid to
absorb the iodine that is being pumped through food or even your pill. Disturbed
sodium and potassium balance is what it makes you feel "bloated", feeling bloating
is the most frequent complaint by a person who has thyroid issues. So, the idea is less
refined salt, no refined sugar, no refined oil, no processed foods (biscuits, fruit juices etc)
but only wholesome and homemade food!
Get healthy fats also through cashew nuts, peanuts, almonds, walnuts etc...yes, a handful
of dried fruits to snack is optimal for thyroid health.
Full day veg meal plan:
7 am: Lemon water
8.30 am: breakfast
10-30 am: mid morning snack
12.30 am: lunch
3.30 am: snack
7 pm: dinner
Drink 8-10 glasses of water, you can have green tea or your favourite infused water.